For Traveling:
- Skyscanner: This website puts together a list of prices for the cheapest flights heading towards the destination you’re looking for.
2. Hostelworld: This website allows you to look up the best rated or cheapest hostels to stay at in areas you’re looking to travel to. Be sure to look for high ratings and not just go for the cheapest ones, unless you’re a fan of getting your passport stolen and bed bugs.
3. AirBnB: Similar to Hostelworld in the fact that it allows you to find places to sleep where you’re traveling, however, here you can sleep in other people’s homes.
4. Google Maps: Finding your way abroad can be a real pain in the you-know-what. This app is crucial for making sure you make it to your lovely little lunch date with your new abroad friend on time.
5. CityMaps2Go: Offline maps that you can use without any data. Essential to finding your way around when you’re touring a new city, and all you gety is a crudy map from the hostel you’re at that doesn’t show every street and you end up getting lost in the middle of Rome.
6. Mobile Banking App: These apps are so important when you’re traveling to different countries and may not have access to internet. This app can help you keep track of your ridiculous spending on those adorable German made shoes you fell in love with and just HAD to buy.
For Translating:
7. Google Translate: This app allows you to talk or type in the words you need to know. It’s super helpful when talking to someone in another language for, say, directions. You simply hold the phone up and allow them to talk into the speaker. From there it will translate words back to english. You could also type in words that you’re not familiar with to instantly translate.
8. Word Lens: The perfect app for grocery shopping or any time you’re on the go! When you hold it over a word in another language, it gives you a translation.
For Talking:
9. Viber/ Whats App: The best way to chat with your friends and family abroad. It doesn’t charge any messaging rates but works just like a text. In wifi areas you can easily facetime or call your family when you’re feeling extra homesick.
10. Tinder: Getting to know someone from another country is a really great way to step out of your comfort zone. Have some fun and go out on a date, just remember to be safe!